Turn a Dental Exam Room into a Wall of Honor

We all know that word-of-mouth and referrals from other dentists and healthcare providers are the best ways to get new patients into your practice. But what do you do when those first-time patients come for a visit? How can you make their experience a positive one? One approach is to specially design one exam room that is for first-time patients. Here are a few suggestions for setting up this type of room:

1. Post thank-you notes that you and your staff have received from satisfied patients. This will act as a testimonial to the work that you and your staff do.

2. Post your resume and picture in a poster-sized display. Include pictures of your office staff as well as photographs of patients being cared for by you and your staff. (Make sure you get written permission from any patients appearing in the photographs.)

3. Hang another poster that reaffirms your commitment to your patients. This poster should include your basic objective and policies.

4. Hang copies of speeches you have given or articles you have had published.

5. Display photographs of community activities you have been a part of. This can include anything from fund-raisers to coaching Little League. Make sure to include a short caption under each picture stating the event and its purpose.

6. Set aside a small table in waiting room for brochures about your practice. This table should also include a list of all your services, including those that are free.

7. Create a suggestion box and place it prominently in the room. Encourage the new patient to fill out a form (already created by you) discussing their first impressions and what improvements, if any, can be made.

If you have treated patients with noticeable cosmetic issues — with their permission — post “before and after” photographs of your work.  Display photographs of how successful your treatment was for that patient. This will have an impact on new patients who can see your work right there in front of them.
Getting the patients to your office is only half the battle. It is up to you to make sure that their time with you is a positive experience and one that they will share with others.